World-class products must be made in India: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (December 27) addressed the nation via his last ‘Mann Ki Baat’ episode of the year, asking manufacturers and industry leaders to ensure that world-class products are made in India which saw the spirit of ‘atmanirbhar Bharat’ echo in the society this year.

His address, however, faced protests from the farmers camping at Delhi’s Singhu border with many of them banging utensils to register their dissent over the new agri reforms.

In the 72nd edition of his monthly radio programme, Modi said, “Due to corona, the supply chains got disrupted across the world but we learnt new lessons from each crisis. India also developed new capabilities. We can call this capability ‘atmanirbharata’ or self-reliance.”

“Customers too are demanding ‘Made In India’ toys. This is a big change in the thought process. This is a living example of a major transformation in people’s attitude and that too within a period of one year. It’s not easy to gauge this transformation,” added the PM.

“I call upon our manufacturers and industry leaders, when people have taken determined step forward and when the mantra of ‘Vocal for Local’ is resonating in every house, it’s time to ensure our products are world-class…The Global best must be manufactured in India. For this, our entrepreneurs and start-ups must come forward,” the prime minister said.

Meanwhile, he also noted that the issue of single-use plastic could not be discussed much due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year, but asserted that ridding the nation of single-use plastic is one of the resolves for the new year.

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“We should take a vow that we will not litter; this is the first resolve of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan. I want to remind you of one more thing which couldn’t be discussed that much because of Corona. We have to definitely rid the nation of single-use plastic,” said the PM.

He also asked people to use Kashmiri saffron and said that his government is working to make it a “globally popular brand”. The GI tag has given it a unique identity, he said.

“I appeal to you to make a list of goods of daily use and analyse which imported articles have unconsciously become part of our lives and made us their captive. Let’s find out their Indian alternatives and resolve to use products produced by the hard work of Indians,” he added.

During his address, he also paid tributes to several revered Sikh personalities, including sons of Guru Gobind Singh, saying their sacrifices helped keep our culture safe.

“We pay tributes to the brave Chaar Sahibzaade, we remember Mata Gujri, we recall the greatness of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. We remain indebted to these greats for their sacrifices and their spirit of compassion,” he said.

“On this day, Guru Govind Singh Ji’s mother Mata Gujri Ji embraced martyrdom. About a week back was the day of martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. I had the privilege to pay my obeisance to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at Gurudwara Rakab Ganj in Delhi.”

He said India has seen a 60 per cent rise in the leopard population between 2014-2018 and the populations of lions and tigers too have increased significantly along with forest cover in India. “The main reason is that not only government but several others, civil societies and other organisations are contributing towards forest and wildlife conversation,” he said.

Modi also hailed 92-year-old T Srinivasacharya Swami from Tamil Nadu, who he said is writing his book on computer by typing himself. “His inquisitiveness, self-confidence is still the same as his younger days. A Sanskrit and a Tamil Scholar, he has written 16 spiritual books. Realising that the process of writing and printing books has changed, he learned computer and necessary software at age of 86 years. His life is a clear example of fact that life remains full of energy till the time inquisitiveness and urge to learn does not fade away.”

During his address, he also spoke about Hiraman of Korwa tribe of Jharkhand, who he said has prepared a dictionary of Korwa language, which is nearing extinction. “He has included numerous words used in daily life. What he has accomplished for the Korwa tribe, is an example for the country,” he added.